Chapter 1 – Extract 3 from The Paradise Induction!

“Yeah, I was there on holiday before so just um -” Chris paused to collect his thoughts. “Just seeing how things go when I arrive.”

“You got a job out there as well?”

“Um, yeah, uh. I’m going to be a bartender for the first time in my life.” He smiled.

“Oh wow – you’re gonna have a great time, all them lovely ladies,” she said, then leaned in close to Chris. “Bet they’re gonna love you.”

Chris continued to smile. “It’s definitely gonna be a new experience, that’s for sure.”

The woman leered. “Oh I’m sure it will be.” She turned back to her son. “Make sure you’re buckled in there love.”

Chris scanned the plane, seeing everyone seated. the cabin crew were walking backwards down the two aisles checking seat belts. The plane’s automated announcement-bell rang; the Captain greeted his passengers through the intercom and the screens on the backs of chairs, broadcasted an airline safety video.

Chris let his chin rest on his chest and closed his eyes.

The night before, one of his friends had reassured him about his impending, life-changing journey: “no matter what Chris, when you hear that plane engine, you’ll be excited.”

Chris had guaranteed that his mind was in such a strange place about crossing to the other side of the world, that he wouldn’t be excited at all.